Edited from the first edition.
First Edition
The movements, still largely in the classical-early Romantic style, captivate with multifaceted viola-specific layered playing. Easy to moderately difficult.
The melodic invention may be distantly modeled on Schumann's 'fairy tale pictures', but it captivates with sweeping rhapsodic elements characteristically found in the Romance.
A brilliant performance piece, which offers violists the opportunity to show off the entire tonal spectrum of their instrument. Early Romantic flair pervades all the movements.
Edited from the first edition
Onslow's viola sonatas deserve to be brought back into the repertoire. Technically not overly difficult, their Biedermeier melos exudes melodiousness and esprit.
